Culture Street

Books

Five of Amazon’s top ten books last week were colouring in books for adults. The popularity of these books has been put down to increased stress and anxiety in women. Dr David Holmes, a clinical psychologist, attributes the success of adult colouring in books to the need for our minds to shift the brain down a gear.

“… Colouring in is an ambient activity that gives the brain something simple to focus on, so it doesn’t become bored and frustrated, but without any complex thinking or planning to do.”

Harry Potter Magical Creatures Colouring Book

This gorgeous colouring book is filled with detailed illustrations of the magical creatures from the Harry Potter films. From the ghostly blue merpeople to fiery red Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, the vibrant creatures of the wizarding world are yours to design and colour. Featuring creatures found in the Forbidden Forest and the Great Lake, as well as those from Hogwarts itself, these minutely detailed drawings offer hours of creative and relaxing fun. Buy the book here.

Harry Potter Colouring Book

Containing intricate line drawings used in the making of the Harry Potter films, this coloring book includes all of the fan-favorite scenes, creatures, and characters of the series, from Dobby and baby Norbert to Quidditch games and the unforgettable final battle between Harry and Lord Voldemort. Unique and interactive, Harry Potter: The Official Coloring Book is a perfect collector's item for fans of the blockbuster saga. Buy the book here.

Animal Kingdom by Millie Marotta

The artist's intricate style of illustration will get you itching for a pen, whether it's to add to the fine line hatching on the birds, the flowing tendrils of a jellyfish, or the composite of flowers that make up a grizzly bear. the work will inspire you to appreciate the detail of line drawing and its huge potential.You can colour her work or add your own line drawings to make it special to you. Add your own patterns to the lively forest scene, choose your own birds to add to the branches, or make a pattern with your colour choices. Each picture offers scope to improve your artistic skills while giving you a finished picture to show for your endeavours. Buy the book here.

The Mindfulness Colouring Book by Emma Farrarons

Working with your hands is one of the best ways to soothe anxiety and eliminate stress. This stunning, pocket-sized colouring book offers a practical exercise in mindfulness that draws on your creativity and hones your focus.Beautifully illustrated, The Mindfulness Colouring Book is filled with templates for exquisite scenes and intricate, sophisticated patterns, prompting you to meditate on your artwork as you mindfully and creatively fill these pages with colour. Take a few minutes out of your day, wherever you are, and colour your way to peace and calm. Buy the book here.

The Can't Sleep Colouring Book

Soothe away your insomnia with some wonderfully relaxing colouring. Long acknowledged to be a truly relaxing activity, colouring can help with all sorts of stress-related problems - including sleeplessness. These beautiful patterns will help you to free your mind from your worries and refocus it on relaxation. So next time you find yourself feeling restless in bed, turn to The Can't Sleep Colouring Book, create some beautiful art and feel your cares drifting away. Buy the book here.

Enchanted Forest - An Inky Quest and Colouring Book by Johanna Basford

This stunning new colouring book by Johanna Basford takes readers on an inky quest through an enchanted forest to discover what lies in the castle at its heart. As well as drawings to complete, colour and embellish, there are hidden objects to be found along the way including wild flowers, animals and birds, gems, lanterns, keys and treasure chests.Beginning at the entrance to the forest, the journey progresses through woodland, rocky caves and tree-lined mazes, over streams and a waterfall, across the trees tops, to finally reach the castle. Also hidden throughout the book are nine symbols. Readers must find all the symbols to unlock the castle door at the end of the quest and discover what lies within. Buy the book here.

Tropical Wonderland by Millie Marotta

Create a riot of colour in Millie's tropical colouring bookMillie Marotta is a hugely popular illustrator and her idiosyncratic drawings of the botanical world are stunning. Millie Marotta's Tropical World invites you to lose yourself in a riot of colouring in and drawing. Her beautiful illustrations are crying out for a touch of colour, an additional line here and there - the most mindful of activities. Buy the book here.